persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
pər-ˈsi-stənt 
-ˈzi-
1
: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as
a
: retained beyond the usual period
a persistent leaf
b
: continuing without change in function or structure
persistent gills
c
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
d
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
e
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
a
: continuing or inclined to persist in a course
b
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
persistently
adverb
Examples of persistent in a Sentence
Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist.
—
Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power.
—Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since.
—Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power.
—Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since.
—Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Recent Examples on the Web
According to the meteorologist, six to 12 inches of additional accumulation is expected from just the lake effect snow within the most intense and persistent bands.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
Our persistent low clouds and patchy fog continue throughout this morning across much of the Central Valley and is slated to continue this evening into tomorrow morning again.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 10 Dec. 2025
The storm system out in the Pacific is generally staying farther north, while a persistent high-pressure ridge off the California coast is keeping the region dry and blocking major storm systems from moving in.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
Fed officials are increasingly divided on the best path forward amid a cooling labor market and persistent inflation.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persistent
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
Our persistent low clouds and patchy fog continue throughout this morning across much of the Central Valley and is slated to continue this evening into tomorrow morning again.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 10 Dec. 2025
The storm system out in the Pacific is generally staying farther north, while a persistent high-pressure ridge off the California coast is keeping the region dry and blocking major storm systems from moving in.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
Fed officials are increasingly divided on the best path forward amid a cooling labor market and persistent inflation.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persistent
Cite this Entry
“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persistent. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
pər-ˈsis-tənt
-ˈzis-
1
: continuing, existing, or acting for a long or longer than usual time
a persistent cold
persistent gills
2
: stubbornly determined
persistently
adverb
Medical Definition
persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
-tənt
1
: existing or continuing for a long time: as
a
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
b
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
c
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
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